Key points
Your license can be suspended for ignoring a citation, not paying child support, or using a license to try to buy alcohol.
Source: Handbook p. 16
“Failure to satisfy a citation or court summons; Failing to pay child support; Fraudulent use of a driver's license to purchase or attempt to purchase alcoholic beverages;”
Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 16Three reckless driving convictions within 12 months can cost your license.
Source: Handbook p. 16
“Reckless driving - three (3) convictions within twelve (12) months;”
Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 16DUI, refusing a lawfully requested chemical test and fleeing police are also grounds for suspension.
Source: Handbook p. 17
“Driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances (DUI); Refusing to take a chemical test when lawfully asked to do so by a law enforcement officer; Fleeing or evading police;”
Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 17Not paying a crash damages judgment within 60 days brings a suspension.
Source: Handbook p. 17
“Any person failing to satisfy a judgment rendered against him for damages resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle, within 60 days from the date of said judgment shall have his driving privilege suspended”
Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 1712 points (7 points if under age eighteen) within a two-year period can lead to suspension.
Source: Handbook p. 17
“Upon the accumulation of 12 points (7 points if under age eighteen) within a two-year period, a driver's privilege to operate a motor vehicle may be suspended.”
Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 17Points expire 2 years after conviction, but the conviction stays on your record 5 years.
Source: Handbook p. 17
“Points assessed under this system expire two (2) years from the date of conviction. However, the conviction entry remains part of the driver's record for a period of five (5) years from the conviction date.”
Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 17Missing the point hearing brings a 6 month suspension for a first 12 point accumulation.
Source: Handbook p. 17
“Failure to appear for the hearing results in a driving suspension for a period of six (6) months for the first such accumulation of twelve (12) points”
Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 17After probation, you cannot get probation again for 2 years.
Source: Handbook p. 18
“he/she shall not be considered for probation again until a lapse of two (2) years from the ending date of any previous probation period”
Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 18You may complete State Traffic School only once every 12 months.
Source: Handbook p. 18
“A driver can only complete State Traffic School once every twelve (12) months.”
Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 18Anyone convicted of DUI must complete an approved alcohol education or treatment program before reinstatement.
Source: Handbook p. 18
“After the assessment, every individual must attend a CHR approved alcohol education or treatment program. Satisfactory completion is required before reinstatement of driving privileges may occur.”
Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 18
Numbers to know
| Number | What it means | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| 3 in 12 months | reckless driving convictions that can cost your license | Handbook p. 16 |
| 60 days | time to pay a crash damages judgment | Handbook p. 17 |
| 12 points; 7 points if under age eighteen; two-year | point totals and period that can bring suspension | Handbook p. 17 |
| 2 years; 5 years | when points expire; how long the conviction stays on record | Handbook p. 17 |
| 6 months; 12 points | suspension for missing a first point hearing | Handbook p. 17 |
| 2 years | wait before probation can be given again | Handbook p. 18 |
| once every 12 months | how often you may attend State Traffic School | Handbook p. 18 |
3 questions from the Kentucky practice test
1. Within a two-year period, how many points may lead to suspension for a Kentucky driver age 18 or older?
- 20 points
- 7 points
- 5 points
- 12 points
Show answer
12 points. Kentucky’s point system says a driver age 18 or older may face suspension after accumulating 12 points within a two-year period. The seven-point threshold applies to a driver under age 18. Five points is not the stated trigger, and 20 points would set the bar too high. A useful review habit is to pair the number with both the time window and the driver’s age, because changing either condition changes the rule.
2. When do points assessed under Kentucky’s point system expire?
- Immediately after payment of a fine
- Two years from the conviction date
- Five years from the conviction date
- At the next license renewal
Show answer
Two years from the conviction date. Points assessed under Kentucky’s system expire two years from the date of conviction. That does not mean the entire conviction entry disappears at the same time. The manual separately keeps the entry on the driver’s record for five years. Paying a fine or renewing a license does not control the expiration date. Keep two timelines in mind: the point period is shorter, while the record retention period lasts longer.
3. How many reckless driving convictions within twelve months can lead to a Kentucky suspension or revocation?
- Three
- Two
- Four
- One
Show answer
Three. Reckless driving, with three convictions within twelve months, is on Kentucky's list of reasons a license may be suspended or revoked. One or two convictions in that span do not meet this ground, and four is more than required. Other grounds include DUI, refusing a chemical test, fleeing police, leaving a crash scene, and failing to satisfy a citation or court summons.
Practice this topic
Lock it in with laws and paperwork questions from the free Kentucky practice test. Every answer comes with a plain English explanation.
Source: the Kentucky Driver Manual, Section One: The Driver's License. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.